Writings and Such

Title: Getting into the SpiritAuthor: Cold NostalgiaDisclaimer: Don’t own. No profit. Don’t sue.Prompt: PresentsCharacters/Ship: Harley, IvyWord count: 792Rating: GSummary: Even Ivy can get into the spirit of Christmas.Authors Notes: Posted to the Christmas Fanworks Challenge at a_b_joker

The large parcel was childishly wrapped up in cheap paper and shabby masking tape. The tag, covered in green and red crayon, was completely illegible to Ivy’s usually sharp eyes. Slowly - and not without a little trepidation - Ivy looked up from the unexpected gift that had been unceremoniously dumped onto her lap.

“New tradition? Harley, we don’t have any traditions,” Ivy pointed out patiently. “If anything the only tradition we have this time of year is a tussle with Batman and a short stay in Arkham – and this Christmas I’d rather not observe it, thank you very much.”

Ivy examined the awkwardly wrapped package once more. Not knowing whether to be mildly grateful for Harley’s generosity, or suspicious of the blonde’s motives. It’d been a while since Harley had played a practical joke at her expense – or at least tried to. Ivy didn’t think that the clown would try to pull another prank so soon after her last botched attempt – or the icy warning that she’d received immediately after.

Ivy grunted, allowing a small smile to spread across her face. “Alright,” she said quietly, surrendering to her friend’s earnest enthusiasm for the ridiculous holiday. “Thank you.”

Harley’s eyes shone with joy. “I held onto the receipt in case you don’t like it.”

Ivy’s smile widened as she tried to imagine herself doing something so pathetically common as walking into a store and demanding a refund. “That won’t be necessary, Harl. I’m sure I’ll love whatever it is.”

“Well then,” Harley began as she flopped herself onto the couch next to Ivy. “There’s only one way ta be sure,” she said, grinning goofily at her best friend. “Open it.”

Ivy looked at her quizzically. “And this is going to keep out us out of Arkham?”

Harley nodded, thrilled that Ivy was getting into the Pre-Christmas spirit. “For a while, I guess.”

“Maybe they are,” Harley said softly. “I could have given ya Bat-repellent, though.”

Ivy sighed. “If only.”

Harley playfully nudged her best friend and wordlessly Ivy began to tear away the green and gold paper, her face the very picture of hopeful expectation. Harley greedily drank in the moment, solidifying the precious seconds and then branding them into an album of happy memories.

“How many trees died for this, Harl?” Ivy asked, as yet another layer of wrapping paper was peeled away and cast aside.

“None,” Harley answered cheerfully. “The paper’s recycled.”

Ivy grunted in disbelief and tore away the last remaining layers of gaudy paper irritably. Harley squealed as her gift was revealed.

“A box set of James Stewart movies,” Ivy looked at her incredulously. “You gave me a box set of James Stewart movies.”

Harley looked smug. “Yup.”

Ivy was appalled. “How’s this going to keep us out of Arkham?”

“Easy,” Harley said with a shrug. “We’re stayin’ in and stayin’ out of trouble this year.”